The Blue Jays outrighted CJ Van Eyk to Triple-A on Monday after he cleared waivers. Seven players also returned from the 60-day IL in a busy day of roster moves.

The reinstated group includes Addison Barger, Anthony Santander, Jonatan Clase, José Berrios, Jake Bloss, Bowden Francis and Cody Ponce.

It's a league-wide requirement. Starting Monday, teams can no longer keep injured players on the 60-day IL outside the 40-man roster.

Van Eyk's outright frees up another spot. The right-hander made his big-league debut in 2026, one of several young arms who got a taste of the majors during an injury-filled year.

He stays in the organization with Triple-A Buffalo. If he pitches well, he could work his way back onto the 40-man.

Rudy Martin Jr. also elected free agency. The Jays outrighted the outfielder to Buffalo last week, and he chose to test the market instead.

Blue Jays create 40-man room before the Rule 5 deadline

Why the shuffling now? Because the roster crunch is coming fast.

Toronto has until Nov. 17 to protect Rule 5-eligible prospects. Nolan Perry and Gage Stanifer headline the list.

Every free-agent signing will also require a roster spot. With Myles Straw's option declined earlier Monday, the Jays have a little more breathing room.

Reinstating the injured seven is the easy part. Deciding who stays is harder, especially with Francis facing the Nov. 20 non-tender deadline.

The Van Eyk move makes sense, but the real test is coming. Ross Atkins has to clear room for Perry without letting useful depth slip away for nothing.

It's like packing for a long trip with a carry-on limit. Everything feels essential until the zipper won't close.

Barger and Santander are the most important names in this group. Both are expected to be ready for spring training and could reshape the lineup if healthy.

Shawn Ross and Chase Lee could be the next names on the bubble. With free agency open and a lockout looming Dec. 1, more moves are coming soon.